Grand Larceny Lawyer in Indianapolis

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Charged with Grand Larceny in Indianapolis? We Can Help.

While the severity of most theft offenses depend on the value involved, any theft conviction will limit your job prospects and might result in jail time. And when theft reaches the felony level in Indiana, it is charged as grand larceny and the penalties become even more serious.

As experienced theft lawyers, we know that people are often treated unfairly when they’re accused of stealing. In many cases, grand larceny accusations are misunderstandings, but they need to be treated seriously. Let defense attorney Sean Hessler work tirelessly to make your voice heard, so a theft conviction doesn’t affect the rest of your life.

To learn more about defending against theft and larceny charges, call (317) 886-8800 today for a free consultation.

Grand Larceny Laws in Indiana

As of July first of 2014, theft in Indiana is only considered to be a felony if the value of the object in question is over $750. Prior to this change in the law, theft was treated as a felony, or grand larceny, regardless of the item’s value.

Regarding the crime itself, the state defines theft as intentionally and knowingly depriving an owner of control over their property. This can include everything from electronics to tracts of land. In addition, this offense involves the intent to permanently deprive the owner. Taking control of an item for a brief period is known as criminal conversion.

Prior to the reform of Indiana’s theft laws, stealing anything valued under $100,000 was labeled as a low-level felony, with more expensive items carrying elevated felony charges. While the changes to the criminal code provide reform, the seemingly arbitrary separation between petty and grand theft has frightening implications.

If, for example, a person steals an item that is valued at $750, they may be sent to prison for many years. Meanwhile, someone who steals a similar item that is valued at $749 might only end up spending a few months in jail after being convicted of petty theft.

Penalties and Jail Time for Grand Larceny in Indiana

Indiana takes seriously, with most convictions resulting in huge fines and years spent in prison. While most thefts are treated as felonies, the value of the stolen items does play a role in sentencing. Someone who steals a yacht, for example, is likely to receive a far harsher punishment than someone who caught stealing a computer.

The consequences for larceny in Indiana include, but are not limited to:

  • Petty Theft : A Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail.
  • Grand Larceny ($750 to $49,000): A Level 6 felony that is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and a maximum prison sentence of 2.5 years.
  • Grand Larceny ($50,000 or Higher): A Level 5 felony that is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and a maximum prison sentence of six years.

Let Our Grand Larceny Attorneys Protect Your Rights

Being convicted of a crime can result in so much more than a simple jail sentence. Once you are released, you may find that your life has been changed forever. It may be all but impossible to find a job, and you may be turned away by institutions of higher learning.

To protect your way of life, it is essential to avoid a conviction or have your charges reduced as much as possible. With the help of a lawyer, you may even be able to get your charges dismissed. For example, it may be possible to prove that your rights were violated at the time of your arrest. It might also be the case that you were simply borrowing the item in question.

Above all else, Indiana theft lawyer Sean Hessler believes in the constitutional protections to which all American citizens are entitled. If you are being accused of grand larceny, he will listen to your side of the story. Once the details have been analyzed, he will devise a legal defense that will give your case the best possible chance of success.

If you would like to avoid spending time behind bars, call Hessler Law, PC at (317) 886-8800 for a free consultation.